Pinewood Derby tradition continues in Milford

Maspenock Rod and Gun Club in Milford hosted the Pinewood Derby on Saturday..

By Matt Tota/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

By Matt Tota/Daily News staff

Posted Mar. 10, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Mar 10, 2013 at 10:05 AM

By Matt Tota/Daily News staff

Posted Mar. 10, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Mar 10, 2013 at 10:05 AM

MILFORD

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Try as it might, nostalgia will never catch up to Pinewood Derby cars, those little blocks of wood whittled to speed racers.

The race has been a Cub Scout right of passage for generations. New packs replace old packs to send their cars darting down a track much older than them, while praying for the fastest time and the tallest trophy.

Tradition dictates that this timeless race continues. And it did, on Saturday, as the mid-afternoon sun gleamed through a dusty window at the Maspenock Rod and Gun Club, alighting the finish line.

Christopher Abbiuso, Pack 4 scoutmaster, then let loose a row of four cars — with names like Lava Machine, The Flame, Mr. Nitrous and The Panther. Pack 32’s committee chairman, Michael McNamara, recorded the cars’ times on his computer as they zipped past the finish and bounced off a back wall.

Little has changed since the 39-year-old Abbiuso watched his car ride the track in the same club. The cars still have to come in at a certain weight and length. Still, watching the day’s races, he noted at least one difference.

"Cars now are so much better than when I was a kid," he said.

Domenick Tamburrini, 8, had the perfect strategy for his car: make it narrow so "the wind will go over it and make it go faster."

The plan paid dividends for Tamburrini and Pack 32, which came in first place.

Jason Windsor, a scoutmaster in Pack 32, called the races and, throughout, recalled memories of his dad and him working on a car.

"Everybody is so busy," said Windsor, 39. "Pinewood Derby is the time of year when your dad can sit down with you, take the time and help you build a car."

For Windsor, the cycle will continue. "My kids will be making cars with their kids," he said.

Matt Tota can be reached at 508-634-7521 or mtota@wickedlocal.com. For news throughout the day, follow him on Twitter @MattTotaMDN.